Ryan Lawrence

Daily News Staff Writer

Cole Hamels isn't in a rush to get into a game in 2014 because, when he does come back, he wants to be 100 percent sure he's back for good and ready to help the Phillies win.

Hamels may or may not get into a game before the Phillies break camp on March 27. But he'll inch closer this Sunday when he throws his second bullpen session in five days.

Hamels said his arm and body responded well to his latest 'pen session on Wednesday; it was the first time he had throw following an 11-day layoff when he complained of fatigue.

Following Wednesday's session, Hamels said the day or two that followed would be an important sign in his progression. Because following his March 1 side session, Hamels felt soreness the day after throwing.

"I feel really good," Hamels said Friday. "Just the way I was able to kind of bounce back. It came out of nowhere a couple weeks ago. It was very unexpected. Because I was really working well and everything was showing great signs. My strength was gaining. ... So just being able then to step back, reassess what I need to do and try to reapply some of the exercises so I can build up the correct strength or even more strength."

Hamels threw between 20-30 pitches on Wednesday. He is likely to increase the reps and intensity with each step, beginning Sunday.

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A handful of players cleared out their lockers in the home clubhouse at Bright House Field, as the Phillies made their second round of cuts.

Most notable: catcher Lou Marson, who won a World Series ring while on the travel roster with the 2008 Phillies, was released. Marson, who was traded away in the deal that brought Cliff Lee to Philadelphia in 2009, was re-signed this winter to a minor league contract to provide catching depth within the organization.

But apparently the team felt better about their catching depth since the winter, with Tommy Joseph, Cameron Rupp and Sebastian Valle all as candidates to play at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Marson played in only three games this spring. He went 1-for-3 with a double.

He declined to speak when asked for comment on Friday morning.

Marson could find a job with his old team in Cleveland. The Indians, who non-tendered Marson in December, are likely looking for backup catching after moving Carlos Santana to third base this spring.